Phosphine

Synonyms & Trade Names

Hydrogen phosphide, Phosphorated hydrogen, Phosphorus hydride, Phosphorus trihydride

Physical Description

Colorless gas with a fish- or garlic-like odor. [pesticide] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Pure compound is odorless.]

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Air, oxidizers, chlorine, acids, moisture, halogenated hydrocarbons, copper [Note: May ignite SPONTANEOUSLY on contact with air.]

Symptoms

nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea; thirst; chest tightness, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); muscle pain, chills; stupor or syncope; pulmonary edema; liquid: frostbite

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 3 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 7.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 15 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 50 ppm:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection